Sketch to illustrate ‘Not Honourably Discharged’ Eugene Grasset (1841-1917)

The drawing presents a stark encounter on a snow-covered street. Here we observe two figures engaged in what appears to be a conversation; one is a formally dressed gentleman wearing a top hat and dark coat, the other an older woman with a shawl, leaning heavily on a broom. The setting is urban, suggested by the row of buildings lining the street behind them, their roofs laden with snow.
The composition directs attention immediately to the interaction between these two individuals. The gentleman’s posture conveys a sense of discomfort or perhaps disapproval; his head is tilted slightly away from the woman, and his expression seems strained. Conversely, the womans stance suggests weariness and a degree of resignation. She holds her broom with a grip that implies both necessity and burden.
The background contributes significantly to the overall mood. The snow-covered street and bare trees evoke a feeling of coldness and desolation. A few indistinct figures are visible further down the street, adding a sense of anonymity and indifference to the scene. Their presence underscores the isolation of the central pair.
Subtleties in the drawing suggest deeper social commentary. The contrast between the gentleman’s refined attire and the womans simple clothing highlights a disparity in economic status. The fact that she is sweeping the street, while he stands by, implies a division of labor and perhaps a critique of societal structures that perpetuate inequality. The title associated with this work hints at themes of military service and potential injustice; it’s plausible to interpret the scene as depicting a veteran struggling to reintegrate into civilian life, encountering condescension or neglect from those in positions of privilege.
The artists use of muted tones and loose sketching style enhances the feeling of melancholy and social critique. The drawing is not intended to be celebratory but rather to provoke reflection on issues of poverty, respect, and the treatment of vulnerable individuals within a community.